Manitou Group has revealed a new ultra-compact telehandler model designed to meet the needs of users who want a versatile machine that’s easy to use and easy to transport between two worksites. The ULM (Ultra Light Manitou) has a transportable weight of less than 3t that can be carried by a trailer with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,500kg.
With dimensions among the most compact on the market with a width of just 1.49m and a height of 1.92m, the telehandler comes in two versions: the ULM 412H with a lifting capacity of 1.25 t and the ULM 415H with a lifting capacity of 1.5t. Both have a lift height of 4.30m. The machines will also be available in some markets as the Gehl Compact Telehandler with the designations GCT 3-14 and GCT 3-14+.
Targeted at a number of sectors, such as construction, agriculture and landscaping, this ultra-compact telehandler enables users to work efficiently thanks to its rapid familiarisation process and small size. It also enables artisan masons and landscapers to travel to their customers easily with a single trailer. This means machine transportation times are greatly reduced and user productivity is therefore more efficient.
A range of attachments specially designed for the model allows it to be used for more applications, providing users with even more options such as forks carriages, pot clamp, branch cutter, big-bag handler and snow blade. Proving its usefulness on rough-terrain, this four-wheel drive telehandler has an oscillating rear axle, a wide range of tires and a very high ground clearance of 29cm.
A number of innovative features help to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the new model. The Stop & Start option ensures a reduction of around £10 per hour idling off the machine’s TCO through reduced machine depreciation, fuel consumption and preventive maintenance. The capacity of the hydraulic tank is also reduced by about 25 per cent thanks to the presence of an anti-aeration filter.
The hydraulic compensator is replaced by electronic compensation, allowing the compensating cylinder to be dispensed with, thereby reducing hydraulic oil requirements and reducing the weight of the machine. Removing the compensating cylinder also reduces the width of the truck, making it easier to move in tight spaces, particularly when entering farm buildings, loading straw bales, or manoeuvering on renovation sites.
Maintenance has been optimised with facilitated access to the main components of the engine thanks to the wide engine compartment opening. A hatch in front of the engine allows straw or dust near the radiators to be removed, and access to the fuel and hydraulic oil tanks is facilitated by their eye-level position. The Gehl and Manitou versions are, of course, connected by telematics as standard, and the user can completely manage maintenance via their smartphone thanks to the MyManitou and MyGehl apps.
Access to the cab is easy with no added step. Inside the cab, the operator has an unobstructed 360-degree view to work safely. This includes replacing the roof grille with a transparent, shock-resistant polycarbonate window that complies perfectly with the requirements for FOPS regulations.
The visibility improvements also apply to the operator’s lateral view. The side view is very clear because of the position of the hydraulic hoses inside the boom and the engine cover positioned low down to the right of the operator. The user can also make use of driver assistance, with a screen on the dashboard displaying all the information needed for driving in the form of pop-ups.
The joystick is positioned as standard on a floating armrest for more flexibility of use, and two vents are situated on the windshield for optimal demisting. For prolonged driving comfort, the group has also introduced an automatic parking brake and offers three steering modes: two-wheel steering for traveling at high speeds; four-wheel steering for manoeuvering in tight spaces; and crab mode for lateral maneouvers.
The ULM/GCT is distinctive for its small height, but paradoxically has a large ground clearance of 29cm, enabling it to move across difficult terrain without any problem. Equipped with a 35hp engine, the ultra-compact telehandler offers a maximum hydraulic flow of 48 lit/min. The machine is equipped with a flow sharing distributor, enabling several hydraulic movements to be carried out at the same time.
The ultra-compact telehandlers have a transportable weight of between 2,550 kg and 2,900kg, making them capable of being carried on a trailer with a GVW of 3,500kg.
The first deliveries of the new telehandler in Europe will be in the third quarter of 2022.
